IMPORTANT: This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders. Other applicants need not apply.
Location: Chicago, IL Office
The Union of Concerned Scientists is a nationally prominent science-based nonprofit working on issues we believe to be the greatest environmental and security threats of our time. UCS combines rigorous scientific analysis with innovative thinking and effective citizen advocacy to achieve practical solutions. We strive for a future that is free from the threats of global warming and nuclear war and a planet that supports a rich diversity of life. Our specific focus areas include global warming, renewable energy, advanced vehicle technology, nuclear power safety, nuclear weapons and related security issues, preserving the integrity of science, and sustainable agriculture.
The Position:
Under the direction of the Midwest Office Director and as part of UCS’s Turn Down Coal/Turn Up Renewables campaign, the Senior Energy Analyst/Advocate will advance the development of clean energy technologies and policies through economic analysis and advocacy of electricity sector solutions to global warming. The Senior Energy Analyst/Advocate will conduct research, policy analysis, and outreach to reduce U.S. reliance on coal power, including by building support for the retirement of existing coal power plants and for greater use of renewable energy and energy efficiency resources. The position will also work with the Midwest Office Director to conduct research and policy advocacy in support of other aspects of UCS’s Midwest climate and energy work.
Responsibilities:
- Work with the Midwest Office Director in coordination with the Director of Energy Research and Analysis and UCS’s multi-disciplinary Climate and Energy Program team to conduct analyses of comparative energy economics and environmental impacts related to coal fired power generation and cleaner alternatives.
- Conduct research and analysis of clean energy and climate policies, of the economics related to policies and regulations affecting coal-fired power plants, and of the financial risks of coal investments, etc.
- Develop and support legislative and regulatory initiatives promoting strong U.S., Midwest, and other regional and state climate and energy policies that prevent building new coal plants without carbon capture and storage and promote the retirement and replacement of existing coal plants with energy efficiency and renewable energy.
- Analyze, prepare comments, and submit testimony on utility resource plans, procurement, and related proceedings at state public utility commissions. Critique and propose alternatives to utility assumptions and perform comparative analysis of the costs and benefits of cleaner alternatives to coal.
- Critique proposed legislative and regulatory proposals, draft amendments and alternatives, and write and deliver expert testimony in front of legislative and regulatory bodies, including public utility commissions.
- Develop position papers, fact sheets, presentations, talking points, web copy and other products for use in communication, educational, advocacy and outreach activities.
- Provide technical and strategic assistance to policymakers, opinion leaders, and coalition partners.
- Help develop project objectives, strategies, workplans, and budgets.
Qualifications:
An advanced degree in economics, finance, business, engineering, or a closely related field is strongly desired. In-depth knowledge of economic analysis methods; familiarity with the electricity sector, including electricity generation technologies, policies, and regulations; as well as an understanding of the appropriate use of economic and technical information in the policymaking and regulatory process is required.
Experience:
At least five to seven years of related experience, including background in economic analysis of energy policies and technologies.
Experience with or understanding of regulatory landscape affecting utility operations/investment decisions, including utility resource planning and procurement processes, strongly desired.
Familiarity with the economic costs and benefits of energy technologies and policies is desirable, including costs of coal plant retrofitting options. Experience preparing testimony for regulatory proceedings desired.
Candidates must be analytically oriented with a strong interest in policy and have excellent written and verbal communications skills.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with technical experts and other professionals as well as with policymakers and the public is strongly preferred.
To Apply:
Deadline to apply is June 30, 2011. Please submit a cover letter with salary requirements and where you heard about this position, resume and writing sample via email to jobs@ucsusa.org and include “Senior Energy Analyst” in the subject line. Email materials by Microsoft Word document format only. No phone calls please.
